UK motorists can now use a digital Green Card to show their vehicle is insured abroad, and won’t need a physical copy

From 1 January 2025, UK motorists can use a digital Green Card on a mobile device as proof of valid motor insurance, instead of carrying a printed copy, when taking a vehicle to any country in the Green Card system.

This is thanks to the work of MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) in partnership with COB, which administers the Green Card system, and its members from 47 countries across Europe and beyond. Countries which now accept digital Green Cards include Albania, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Morocco, North Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Drivers must ask their insurer for a digital Green Card before travelling to any of these destinations.

UK motorists travelling to any other country will not require a Green Card.  Angus Eaton, CEO at MIB, said: “Expanding the use of digital Green Cards is a significant step forward in simplifying cross-border travel experiences for motorists.

“By allowing all drivers to carry a digital Green Card on a mobile device, instead of a physical copy, this makes the process of taking a vehicle abroad quicker and easier for everyone involved. We'd like to thank COB and our wider international counterparts, for helping to ensure the digital Green Card scheme could be expanded.

“As representatives of the UK Green Card system, we’ll continue our vital work to ensure cross-border travel stays hassle-free, to help keep drivers moving across Europe and beyond.”  A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance which gives visiting motorists the proof of minimum compulsory insurance, required by the law of the country visited. 

47 countries in Europe, Asia and North Africa participate in the Green Card System. If travelling within what is known as the Green Card Free Circulation Area, UK motorists are not required to have a Green Card.

This includes anywhere in the European Economic Area (EEA), Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Switzerland. To help people who are taking their vehicle abroad enjoy their travels, MIB is sharing top tips to make sure the right insurance is in place.

1. Make sure you have valid motor insurance: It might seem obvious but making sure you have valid UK motor insurance is the crucial first step. All valid UK motor insurance provides at least the minimum level of cover required for driving in the EU. You can check if your vehicle is insured at https://www.mib.org.uk/driveinsured
2. Find out if you need a Green Card: The latest advice on Green Cards is available at www.mib.org.uk/driving-abroad. If you are unsure if your destination requires a Green Card, please speak to your insurer.  
3. Check to see what level of cover your policy gives you abroad:  You should check to see whether cover for driving outside the UK extends beyond the minimum legal requirement of third-party liability. This means if you have an accident, you won’t be able to make a claim to repair your own vehicle – you’ll only be covered for damage to the other vehicle(s) involved. Some policies will retain the level of protection you have in the UK but it’s best to check and make amendments to your policy as required. 
4. Be prepared and plan in advance: Give your insurer as much notice as possible (ideally 6 weeks) when requesting a Green Card, to ensure it can be arranged in good time. In some cases, drivers may need to carry an extra Green Card if towing a trailer or caravan, this may also need to be registeredbefore travel. You must show your green card if you’re involved in an accident, and you may need to show your Green Card at the border when moving between countries or if you’re stopped by the police. Currently you need to carry a physical copy of your Green Card but, from the beginning of 2025, either an electronic PDF or a printed copy will be accepted. 

5.     Find out what else you need to drive abroad: In addition to checking if a Green Card is required before taking a vehicle abroad, your driving licence will need to remain valid for the duration of travelling and you may need specific documentation for your vehicle. For up-to-date information on legal requirements when driving abroad, visit gov.uk.